Mind-Bending Drugs Put 12 in Hospital

Mind-Bending Drugs Put 12 in Hospital

Article excerpt

A DOZEN young people were rushed to hospital after suffering a reaction to a mind-bending drug.

Urgent warnings have been issued after the group suffered effects from LSD at a Tyneside flat in a popular student area of Jesmond, Newcastle.

Emergency services were called to a block of flats in Osborne Terrace on Saturday evening after a report was received "expressing concern" for the welfare of those inside.

Nine men, aged between 17 and 23, and three women, aged between 19 and 24, were taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, and Rake Lane Hospital, in North Tyneside, for treatment.

Eight were discharged yesterday, but four remain in hospital. One was receiving treatment while the other three were being kept under observation.

A 22-year-old man was arrested for being concerned in the supply of drugs and last night was helping police with their inquiries.

It is believed that those involved had taken LSD paper tabs - known as acid - with a strawberry motif on them.

Officers are today warning people about the dangers of taking illegal drugs.

Chief Inspector Richard Jackson said: "We were called to the address on Saturday night and 12 people were taken to hospital.

"We are carrying out extensive enquiries and are working with our partners to find out what has happened and warn others of the dangers.

"Taking any illegal drug is dangerous and potentially life threatening. LSD, which is what we believe has been taken, is an illegal hallucinogenic drug.

"If anyone has any of these paper tabs with the strawberry motif on them in their possession we would urge them not to take it. Anyone who may have taken the drug recently and feels unwell should seek medical attention immediately."

Police were called to the flat at around 9.10pm on Saturday. Yesterday a police van and car remained outside the premises while investigations took place. …